This portrait of 1795 shows St Vincent in the newly-designed naval full-dress uniform. Already a distinguished admiral, his greatest victory at the Battle of St Vincent (1797) was, however, yet to come. The close-up format and St Vincent's fresh, ruddy complexion lend the painting an air of frankness and candour. He was known for his blunt style of command and shows none of the heroic airs often adopted on such occasions. This portrait was probably painted during the few months leave he spent in England before taking up his post in the Mediterranean as Commander-in-Chief.